Tips for Maintaining Your Motorcycle in Storage Over the Winter

Motorcycling is one of life’s great pleasures, but it’s not exactly something you can do all year round if you live somewhere that sees all four seasons. So whether you plan on snowmobiling to work every day or breaking out your car again, you’ll need to make sure your bike is taken care of properly. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

Clear Al Dirt and Debris Away

Before you store your motorcycle for the winter, it’s crucial that you give it a good wash. You need to get all of the dirt and grime off of your bike to ensure it stays in top shape while it’s in storage for the winter. It might seem pointless to clean a bike that’s not going to be on the road, but motorcycle dealers will tell you otherwise. Storing a clean bike means taking a clean bike out of storage when it comes time to ride again. If you don’t do a thorough job making sure your bike is clean, it’s going to be that much harder to get it clean come spring. In addition, you could be risking rust and paint damage if you neglect this crucial step.

Keep All Moving Parts Lubricated

If you want to make sure there’s no chance of moisture buildup or rusting while your bike is in storage, it’s a good idea to add some extra lubrication to any moving parts. This will ensure that your bike will be fully operational once it’s time to take it out of storage for the season. Some essential parts to lubricate include the chain, cables, and controls. If you want to be extra thorough, remove your bike’s spark plugs and pour a little bit of oil in each opening. After turning the engine over and letting it run for a minute, replace your spark plugs.

Keeping your motorcycle safe for the winter will have every motorcycle dealer in Michigan thanking you for keeping the art of motorcycling alive some spring and summer. Don’t forget to take these vital steps before putting your bike away for the winter!